Crain's endorsement: Brady a worthy check on Dems' profligate ways

In the race for governor, we endorse state Sen. Bill Brady as the candidate most likely to steer Illinois away from fiscal collapse.

The state needs dramatic action to close a multibillion-dollar budget deficit, pay $6 billion in overdue bills and deal with a $70-billion pension-funding shortfall.

Photo

Mr. Brady's opponent, Gov. Pat Quinn, is unwilling to take such action. He won't push any further than Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and state employee unions want to go.

Mr. Quinn deserves credit for reducing the pension benefits of newly hired state workers. But that's only a start, and Mr. Quinn considers the job done. He won't press for concessions that would affect the pensions of current employees, whose rapidly accruing benefits will bury the state if left unchecked.

Mr. Quinn's answer on the budget deficit is to raise taxes. But he waffles when asked how much of the revenue raised would go toward deficit reduction and how much would go to new spending.

The governor is a smart, decent man who believes the first priority of government is to help people in need. He doesn't seem to realize a bankrupt government can't help anybody.

Mr. Brady approaches Illinois' problems from the other end of the spectrum. He owes nothing to the Democratic interest groups Mr. Quinn dares not defy.

His proposals for closing the deficit start with spending cuts, not tax hikes. That's where the discussion should begin, even if we eventually conclude cuts alone won't balance the budget without crippling state government. Like children, elected officials won't eat their peas if they get their ice cream first.

Electing a Republican governor would bring balance to Springfield, weakening the iron grip of Democrats led by Mr. Madigan. With less power, Mr. Madigan will have reason to compromise.

We have no illusions about Mr. Brady. He has logged few big accomplishments in 17 years as a legislator. His social views put him at odds with many Illinoisans.

We take him at his word when he says fiscal matters would be his top priority as governor. We're also trusting that he's tough and shrewd enough to impose fiscal discipline on Springfield before it's too late.